Helpful tip: the base model Eggbeater is pretty damn good. The higher models are marginally lighter and even more marginally better bearings.

And it's really cheap at Nashbar: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0052_512515_-1___

You cannot get a new Speedplay + road shoe combo for anywhere near as cheap as Eggbeater + mtn (or road, but I suggest starting with mtn) shoe combo.